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What is the AOTS?
Although the goals of AOTS are taken seriously, club members enjoy the camaraderie of sharing, supporting, searching, studying, and serving together. AOTS fosters a good time for a good cause, mixing the social with the spiritual, as men of the church. Where Did AOTS Begin?AOTS was born in Vancouver in 1923. The first official club was formed that year by Dr Herbert Riggs, a physician at Kerrisdale Methodist (now Ryerson United Church). The concept spread quickly to other churches and communities on the West Coast, then steadily across the country. By the mid-fifties, there were close to 10,000 members in Canada and Bermuda. For more information of the history of the AOTS movement, contact the National Office. Where is AOTS Today?
Currently, the National Association of AOTS Men's Clubs is officially integrated into the structures of the United Church of Canada. There are over 60 active clubs meeting and serving in communities across the country from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland and there are even more individual members as well. What Do AOTS Clubs Do?The format and style of an AOTS club varies with the size, location, and make up of the community and the home church. Each is geared to the interests, needs and concerns of its members. A typical club meets monthly for dinner or breakfast—this might include an interesting program or speaker, devotionals, and a discussion of on-going service projects. The club is likely to be involved with several community outreach and church-related programs. Some examples:
Is there anyone out there involved in Men's Ministry that has some examples of projects that they are working on? Download your Club/Individual Membership Form |
About The AOTSThe National Association of UNITED CHURCH AOTS MEN'S CLUBS helps Christian men to pull together in bringing in the Kingdom of God, renewing and perfecting the high purpose of brotherly fellowship and through this fellowship achieving greater service. Download The AOTS Brochure Download The NEW 2011 AOTS By-Laws & Constitution Aims of the AOTS To be an arm of the Church reaching out in Christian Fellowship to all men. AOTS Membership: A. Club Membership in The National AOTS is available to interested men's groups who are in
agreement with the aims of The National AOTS and on terms and conditions as set out in the B. Individual Membership in The National AOTS is available to interested men, for the purpose of
preserving and extending the spirit and concept of The National AOTS, on terms and C. National Life Membership in The National AOTS may be conferred for meritorious service to The National AOTS on terms and conditions as set out in the Bylaws. D. Club Members, Individual Members and National Life Members shall all have the same rights and privileges. E. Membership fees shall be defined in the Bylaws. |
National Association of United Church AOTS Men © 2013 all rights reserved. |
AOTS is a men's service club that is affiliated with the United Church of Canada, but is open to all men on a broad ecumenical basis. AOTS aims to promote fellowship, deepen the spiritual life of men, and develop an effective program of Christian service. In fact, AOTS stands for "As One That Serves", which is taken from the statement by Christ: "I am among you as One that serves." (Luke 22.27). 
In the early years of its existence, AOTS, although recognized and encouraged by the church, was an independent organization. 
While they may serve an obvious practical purpose, AOTS projects promote fellowship and this "hands-on" approach inspires laymen to become more involved in the church.